ARTICLE 1. General Provisions and Definitions [399. - 406.]

Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC 1.

in effect

Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 399. Section 399.

The provisions of this Division shall not be construed to apply to the extent to which they are not within the legislative power of this state, except in so far as they may be permitted to apply under the provisions of the Constitution of the United States or the acts of Congress.

Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 400. Section 400.

“Appurtenances” include all things belonging to the owners, which are on board a vessel, and which are connected with its proper use and the objects of the voyage and adventure in which it is engaged.

Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 401. Section 401.

Vessels are engaged in foreign or domestic navigation, or in the fisheries. Vessels are engaged in foreign navigation when passing to or from a foreign country; and in domestic navigation, when passing from place to place within the United States.

Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 402. Section 402.

A vessel in a port of the country in which it is registered is called a domestic vessel, in another port it is called a foreign vessel.

Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 403. Section 403.

If a vessel belongs to several persons, not partners, and they differ as to its use or repair, the controversy may be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction.

Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 404. Section 404.

If the owner of a vessel commits its possession and navigation to another, that other, and not the owner, is responsible for its repairs and supplies.

Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 405. Section 405.

The registry, enrollment, and license of vessels are regulated by acts of Congress.

Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 406. Section 406.

Any and all rights and obligations created pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 450) of this division are subordinate to any superseding federal law.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026